Claims that Sligo bus stop ‘in the wrong place’ is creating a ‘nightmare’ for motorists at junction

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

“Serious difficulties” for motorists exiting Wolfe Tone Street on to Knappagh Road were highlighted at the recent meeting of Sligo Borough Municipal District with Cllr Seamus Kilgannon’s motion calling for an assessment to be carried out in relation to the junction with the aim of making it easier for motorists to negotiate the turn on to Knappagh Rd.

Cllr Kilgannon’s motion read: “To request that Sligo County Council Roads Department carry out a study at the junction on Knappagh Rd and Wolfe Tone St with a view to improving traffic flow.”

Cllr Kilgannon noted the previous work carried out at the junction stating, “It is important to recognise the work that has been carried out for health and safety reasons.”

However, he stressed, “Motorists using the junction are having serious difficulties. Motorists turning left for Strandhill, there isn’t room (when buses are parked).”

Cllr Kilgannon added, “This is a major issue. We are the eyes and ears of the public. The amount of complaints I hear on a daily basis.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Arthur Gibbons, whose office is located close to the junction in question.

Speaking to the motion Cllr Gibbons stated, “I see it all the time. There are times you will see two buses. I have often seen it for up to 10 minutes with traffic held up on Lord Edward St and Wolfe Tone St.”

Cllr Gibbons insisted, “It needs to be sorted,” adding, “I don’ think the big sweep outside the shop helps. Bus Eireann has a role to play, it is a nightmare.”

Cllr Kilgannon expressed the view that private buses also have a role to play when he said, “It is not just CIE buses. That bus stop outside the shop is in the wrong place in my opinion.”

Cllr Ann Higgins also spoke in favour of the motion saying, “I saw it yesterday, a fight was about to break out. It’s a very busy spot, it has expanded beyond what was originally anticipated.”

Addressing the meeting, Thomas Kerins Senior Executive Engineer Sligo County Council stated, “The roads department can only do so much,” noting that the junction was improved in 2020.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.